120-day — 120-Day Work Permit (Bewilligung für kurzfristige Erwerbstätigkeit)

Switzerland•Europe

Open

120-day — 120-Day Work Permit (Bewilligung für kurzfristige Erwerbstätigkeit)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

CHF 100 CHF

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

2-5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Employer-sponsored 120-day work permit for highly qualified or specialized workers in Switzerland requiring a job offer.

The 120-Day Work Permit enables Swiss employers to recruit highly qualified professionals from outside the EU/EFTA for up to 120 days within a 12-month period. Applicants need a bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience, with specialization unavailable domestically. A labor market test confirms no Swiss or EU/EFTA candidate is available.

The CHF 100 application fee is modest, though processing times vary by canton. The permit is renewable and dependents are permitted, but offers no PR pathway. Applicants must maintain comprehensive health insurance. The employer leads the cantonal application.

This visa is ideal for specialized engineers, IT consultants, or technical experts deployed for defined projects in Switzerland.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Employment contract for a total duration of up to 120 days within a 12-month period.

Reserved for highly qualified or specialized personnel.

Must meet local salary and working condition standards.

Employer must submit the application to the cantonal authority.

Subject to cantonal practice and availability within the quota system.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

3+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

University or advanced degree

Work experience documentation

CV and credentials

Health insurance

Employment contract (sponsor)

Job description (sponsor)

Employer documentation (sponsor)

Labor market evidence (sponsor)

Accommodation confirmation (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Up to 120 days work authorization within 12-month rolling period with low CHF 100 fee
Employer handles application to cantonal authority — streamlined process for qualified workers
Rapid approval notification procedure instead of full residence permit bureaucracy
Permits return to home country between assignments — no residency obligation
Renewable authorization for repeated short-term specialized work projects
Competitive Swiss salary standards and working conditions protection guaranteed
Bachelor's degree with 3+ years experience sufficient — accessible to established professionals

Worth Knowing

Employer sponsorship mandatory — cannot self-petition or change employers mid-assignment
Strict 120-day annual ceiling; rolling 12-month window limits total work authorization
Labor market test required — employer must prove no available Swiss or EU/EFTA candidates
Cannot lead to permanent residency or long-term settlement in Switzerland
Requires confirmed job offer and employer sponsorship — not available for independent contractors

Application Process

Secure job offer: Obtain employment offer from Swiss employer meeting salary and conditions requirements

Employer applies for permit: Swiss employer submits work permit application to cantonal authority

Labor market test: Employer must prove no suitable Swiss or EU/EFTA candidate available

Permit approval: Cantonal authority approves work permit

Apply for visa: Applicant applies for D visa at Swiss representation with approved permit

Enter Switzerland: Travel to Switzerland with visa

Register for residence: Register with cantonal migration office upon arrival

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Work Permit Application

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Verified Claims (2)

Last verified Jun 21, 2026

Job Offer Required

true

sem.admin.ch

Petitioner

employer